She also became the first woman hired by a Fortune 500 company in a sales position. Breaking through the “glass ceiling” opening doors for other women in a male-dominated world. Terry Wells-Jones fought many battles to reach her level of success in business while also cultivating a happy family life. In Reflections!, Terry shares the philosophies that helped her on her journey, as well as the disappointments and opposition she faced along the way.

Read on for some behind the scenes on the creation of her book and learn what the publishing experience was like!

(Pictured: Terry Wells-Jones at a recent Barnes & Noble book signing.)

Name: Terry Wells Jones

Book Title: Reflections! Looking in the Mirror

Hometown: Milwaukee/Palm Desert

Why did you want to tell your story through this book?

As a legacy for my children and future generations.

How long did it take to write the book?

A year and a half.

What was the most difficult part of the writing journey?

Organizing it and making sense of all of the information I had accumulated as well as my computer skills.

How did you decide what to include – and what not to include – in the book?

I had to do many edits and include what was important to me and the reader.

What do you hope readers take away from the book?

I hope readers will conclude that challenges are no match against faith, belief, hard work and determination.

Do you have any advice for anyone looking to write a memoir?

Stay the course no matter how difficult it gets.

Besides writing this book, what are your other interests?

Travel

What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance Publishing?

Prompt responses, and helpfulness and knowledge of the publishing business.

Thank you, Terry!

Purchase Reflections! at the Dorrance Bookstore.

Ready to share your story? Contact us!

The post Author Spotlight: Terry Wells-Jones, “Reflections!: Looking in the Mirror” appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

Name: Mary Franklin

Hometown: Muskogee

Describe your book in ten words or less: The evil was taking souls deep into darkness for eternity.

What made you want to write the book?

My friend Steven who also is a writer encouraged me to write and not stop or give up.        

How long did it take you to write the book?

5 years of going through data. The case packet is 18 inches thick.

How did you become interested in paranormal investigating?

My parents always spoke about ghosts. I decided at a young age to prove them wrong. I  now know they were not far from wrong. I had questions about the afterlife nobody could answer. So I have been searching for years for some sort of answer to my questions. 

How did you decide what paranormal occurrences or anecdotes to include in the book?

It wasn’t easy. I chose parts that showed demonic infestation are dangerous and can effect our daily lives. Tearing at the very heart of our soul.

What was your favorite chapter or part to write and why?

It had to be bishop Kelly. He gave me words of wisdom. He encouraged me to be safe and stand on my faith. He gave his life trying to cleanse the evil from the house.

Besides paranormal investigating, what are your other interests?

 I am a member of ASPCA. I rescue and place animals in safe forever homes. I teach our young native children about their heritage and preserving our traditions.

How did you celebrate publishing your book?

Besides jumping up and down and smiling feeling proud. My husband and I went out and had a very lovely meal.

Any advice for those looking to get into the paranormal investigation?

Always be respectful of those you can’t see or hear. And not everything is paranormal. Look for the rational before the irrational. But most of all have fun and document everything. 

What do you hope readers will take away from The Murder Suicide House?

To be careful in what you do in the paranormal, evil is all around us just waiting to be released. Be careful in what you do in the paranormal and be respectful. If all seems to be terrifying just leave. Don’t play where evil lives.

What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance Publishing?

Everyone was so helpful and helped me every step of my journey. I have learned so much from everyone. I highly recommend Dorrance Publishing to any new writer.

You can purchase The Murder Suicide House at the Dorrance Bookstore.

Do you want to publish your paranormal or true crime book? Contact us!

The post Author Spotlight: Mary Franklin, “The Murder Suicide House” appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

We talked to Ms. Parks about her inspiration for writing the book and more!

Name: Malissa Parks

Hometown: Grew up in Carson, CA and now reside in Long Beach, CA.

Book Title: “I Like Being Brown, This Family & Hero 44”

Describe your book in 10 words or less.

A keepsake for families that teaches young learners to read.

What made you want to write your book?

I wrote this book because of the relevance of the most historical moment in African American History.

How long did it take you to write your book?

It took a year to write this book.

What do you do when you have writer’s block? 

Due to the history that is apparent behind writing this book, I never experienced writer’s block because I definitely was inspired by God. He gave me the wisdom so I knew exactly what I wanted to write about and it came to me naturally!  I knew what I wanted to say and how I wanted to present it. As an educator, I am very passionate about writing, especially writing about a topic that teaches.   

What was your favorite part to write and why?

My favorite part in Small Trilogy is in the story “I Like Being Brown” when Richard, the character, realizes he could be whatever he wanted to be, just being himself!

If your book includes illustrations, what was it like working with your illustrator? 

It was great working with all three of my illustrators. With my son and my nephew as two of them, it was really a surreal moment!! I really pride all three young men on making each picture come alive in the minds of children.

If you were stuck on an island and had to have one person from each category with you, who would they be and why:

-One friend or family member:

My son because he’s always been my little protector.

-One fictional character:

Character in the book, Richard because of his big imagination!

–One famous person (living or dead):

Maya Angelou because I love her thought process when creating some of her most famous and cultural poems and quotes.

What are some of your hobbies?

I enjoy skating, swimming, singing and socializing.

If your book was made into a movie, who would play the main characters?

The main characters would be Viola Davis, Phylicia Rashad, Denzel Washington, Tyler James Williams, Zendaya, Yara Shahidi, Marsai Martin, Jennifer Lewis with a splash of Sherri Shepard.

What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance Publishing?

Receiving my Author’s copy of my finished project!

Five favorite books of all time?

“Becoming,” “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” Of Thee I Sing: A Letter To My Daughters,” “Beloved,” and “How Stella Got Her Groove Back”

Do you have any advice for anyone looking to write a children’s book?

To write a good children’s book, you must be a creative writer with a big imagination that kids can relate to!

You can purchase I Like Being Brown now at the Dorrance Bookstore.

Have an educational children’s book you’d like to publish? Contact us!

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Below, McClelland shares her inspirations for writing the paranormal tale, as well as a dream casting for her characters!

Name: Delphine McClelland

Hometown: Statesville, NC, although I currently live in Charlotte, NC.

Book Title: Dark Obsessions

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Describe your book in ten words or less.

A Dark Tortured Love Story looking at love and hate.

How did you get the idea for Dark Obsessions?

The idea to write Dark Obsessions came to me from my co-worker John who is known for his role as the other brother Darryl on Newhart. He enjoyed the way in which I would retell him the stories of the various books that I was reading. Just by hearing my “stories” he saw a writer in me and pushed me everyday to write a book. I fought him and the idea to write this book for as long as I could until one day an idea for a different vampire story came to me through a dream that I had.

How long did it take to write the book?

It took me about three and a half to four years to write Dark Obsessions. Once the idea came to me it was all that I could do every second of the day until I was happy with the overall story and finally felt like it ended in the right place.

How did you name your characters?

All the names for the characters came to me randomly. I wanted something different and that I did not see in other books that I have read. All the characters names had to fit into the idea of who they were or to fit into there family story. For example the main female characters name is Skylar Montgomery. Her first name has a meaning that will play apart in her story and her last name fits into her family being an important and wealthy family in Charlotte.

What do you do when you have writers’ block?

When I have writers block I shut off my computer and watch tv, read one of the many books I have on my kindle or just hang out with my family to allow my mind to rest and recover. For me it helps my creative process when I allow my mind to focus on something else and then before I know it I have so many new ideas for that particular chapter or for the overall story. Chapters that I may have finished may even get changed to better enhance the new direction in which I am taking the story.

What was your favorite chapter to write?

My favorite chapter to write was Chapter 11 Drawn to Each Other. This is the chapter where the main characters Kairo and Skylar finally lay eyes on one another. Throughout the book they feel each others energy even though they do not know what it is or what is happening to them. Chapter 11 is the turning point in the book. It marks the point in which both their lives are changed forever.

If you had to be stuck on an island with one of the following people, who would you choose?

-A character from your book:

If I was stuck on an island the character from my book that would be with me would be Kairo. He was created with the type of guy that I like in mind so if I were to be stuck on an island I would want him because no matter what was thrown at us I know that I would always be safe and taken care of and I am sure the fact that he is a vampire would be a plus.

-Another fictional character:

A fictional character other than Kairo from my own book I would have to chose Daenerys Targaryen from A Song of Ice and Fire. With her and her dragons we would not be stuck for long and I think that she would be an all around interesting person to talk to and get to know.

-A celebrity, living or dead?

My famous person pick would have to be Bruno Mars. I am huge fan and have been since I stumbled onto the song Billionaire by Travie McCoy. I loved the song and Bruno’s verse and was hooked. With Bruno I would never be bored while stuck on the island as it is important to have great company and entertainment.

Besides writing, what are your hobbies?

Besides writing I am an avid reader. I love to read and can and will read an entire book in one day. I also love to hang out with my friends and family. They are very important to me. I love watching sports, I am huge Dallas Cowboys fan as well as a Tennessee Volunteer fan. I also love watching my nephew play baseball on his travel team the Carolina Bulls.

How did you celebrate the publishing of your book?

Still to this day I have not done any big celebrating of publishing my book. I still find it hard to believe that I did it and that people are actually liking my book. When I got my first author copy I did have dinner and drinks and celebrated a little with my best friend Becka who inspired the character of Angelina in the story.

If your book was made into a movie, who would play your characters?

If my book was made into a movie I would want Crystal Renee Hayslett to play Skylar. I love her as Fatima on Sisters and think that she embodies the fight and strength that Skylar has. The character of Kairo was created with Jason Momoa in mind so it I would love for him to take on the role of Kairo.

What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance?

What I enjoyed most about working with Dorrance Publishing was having someone to lean on when things went wrong. My publishing journey was not always an easy journey as I ran into issues and problems from the start. What I loved about Dorrance was that every issue was taken seriously and handled. If all of these problems had of happened and I was the one to have to deal with them and fix them I am not sure if Dark Obsessions would have even happened. Despite the rocky road they produced an amazing product that I am extremely happy with and I would be more than happy to work with them again.

Do you have any book recommendations for your readers?

Deadly Declaration by Landis Wade for the mystery lover, For the paranormal crowd Unchained Desire by R C Alvarez, the Wicked series by Jennifer Armentrout, Everything my Elisa S Amore and the Raven Series by J L Weil.

What advice do you have for someone looking to publish their own book?

Follow your dreams and passion no matter what others stay, think or do, including that small voice of doubt that you may have.

Thank you, Delphine!

You can purchase Dark Obsessions at the Dorrance Bookstore.

Delphine has also been nominated for a Queen City Award for Author of the Year! You can vote for her here until September 24th!

Inspired to publish your paranormal romance novel? Contact us!

The post Author Spotlight: Delphine McClelland, “Dark Obsessions” appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

With our Book Promotion Website Package, you’ll receive a professionally designed, 3-page website that features your book, a profile of you as the author, and information on your motivation for writing your book. We’ll create your site, register a domain in your name, and pay your hosting fees for one year. When your site is complete, we’ll show you how to easily update the content on the site whenever you’d like. 

If Dorrance’s Book Promotion Website Package is not right for you, there are many other options. GoDaddy.com, Squarespace.com, Wix.com, and WordPress.com are examples of services where you can build a website. Wix and WordPress both have free options. Free blog services like Google’s Blogger are also an option. There are a lot of companies out there that can help you, so feel free to find the one that best suits your needs. 

The budget you have for a website will determine what you end up with. Purchasing a custom domain name will always cost a small fee (ex. yourname.com) but there are a range of services where you can build a website or blog. The cost can range from free to very expensive. 

What content should you include on your website?

Some information to include on your website:

• Publisher information.
• Contact information for yourself. (to the degree you are comfortable with.)
• Media Information: press release, cover image, etc.
• Where-to-Buy links: Make sure you link to your book on our website, not just to the home page.
• Social media accounts
• ISBN: This is the 13-digit number on the back of your book. It should start with 978. ISBN is an important number for booksellers and librarians.
• Book Title, and Author Name: This is important to have in the text of your web page because the text is what search engines are looking for.

What else should you include on your website?

Whether you are using a free, simple blog service or have started a more in-depth custom website, here are some ideas for content to include in an author website: 

• News about you: Whenever you are in the news, post a link to the video, article, radio interview, etc. And don’t forget to share that information with us as well!
• Key points about your work: Regularly post tidbits about your book, including major points of interest or plot points.  Post reader responses that might make others more inclined to read it as well. Think of unique things to say about your work.
• Photos and Videos: Make sure you post your photos of book events, signings, award ceremonies you attend, and conferences and workshops at which you are the speaker. A good picture is worth a thousand words!
• News related to your topic: Link to legitimate news articles related to your book subject or genre. 
• A guest blogger or review another author’s book.
• Share a video of you reading a sample of your book.
• Share what you are doing on a professional level. Are you working on another book? Did you just meet your favorite author? Look for reasons to keep people tuned in to what you are saying.
• Do a Q&A or poll.  If one person has asked a question, then there are probably five people thinking the same question.
• Consider posting your playlist. Several well-known authors do this and have attracted fans who may be listening to the same type of music as them!

Contact us about building your website!

Need your book published? Let us know!

The post How to Build the Perfect Website For Authors appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

Name: Joy Winkie Viola

Hometown: Wayland, Massachusetts

Book Title: From Schnitzel to Nockerln And Everything That Happened In Between

Describe your book in 10 words or less.

Travel adventures, often humorous, about nature on all seven continents.

What made you want to write your book?

Before my husband died of COVID, I had been reading my old travel diaries to him. I realized there were many good stories within them that I thought others would enjoy.

What do you do when you have writer’s block?

Edit! I can always edit existing copy when the muse isn’t with me!

What was your favorite chapter to write and why?

Face to Face with a Polar Bear –  because it was such an unusual experience living in the tundra buggies, dealing with difficult weather conditions and being with the great bears. I really wanted to share that multi-faceted adventure.

If you were stuck on an island had to choose who to be with of the following, who would you choose?

-One friend or family member: Shane Dore, my great nephew. He’s an Eagle Scout!

-One fictional character: Shadow, he Golden retriever in the movie Homeward Bound

-One famous person: Betty White

Besides Writing, what are your other interests? Travel, birding, gardening, Golden Retriever Rescue, reading mysteries and spy novels.

Do you keep a journal?

Always when traveling – those journals were the basis for my book.

How did you celebrate the publishing of your book?

I had a great book launch at our local country club with hors d’oeuvres and a string trio from our local symphony playing classical music. 90 people attended.

If your book was made into a movie, who would play the characters?

That’s a tough question because the book spans so many decades of our lives.  Maybe Jessica Chastain could play me and Channing Tatum my husband. They are both in their 40’s so that’s midstream – not that this would ever happen!

What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance Publishing? The editing process as I had so many unusual terms, names of bird species etc. for which we had to develop style that wasn’t in the Chicago Manual.

What are your 5 favorite books?

1) The Unlikely Spy (because it was Daniel Silva’s first book – and he’s now one of my favorites

2) All Creatures Great and Small (Because I love animals)

3) Cry of the Kalahari ( Because it was a wonderful story about African wildlife)

4) The Last Train to London (because it parallel’s my husband’s childhood experience in World War 11)

5) The Little Engine That Could (childhood book, but inspiring theme)

One sentence of advice for other writers:

Be consistent. Once you decide to write a book, stay with it daily.

Thank you, Joy!

Do you have a memoir you are itching to publish? Contact us!

The post Author Spotlight: Joy Winkie Viola appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

Name: M.W. Gats

Hometown: Portsmouth NH, currently reside in South Berwick ME

Book Title: The New Assassin’s Field Guide & Almanac

Genre: Thriller

Describe your book in 10 words or less.

A professional hit man explores the depths of his honor; professionally & personally.

What made you want to write your book?

I wanted the story to exist. They say, “Write the book you’d like to read”

How long did it take you to write your book?

Roughly 3 years.

How do you choose the names of your characters?

Several ways: other books, articles, relatives, friends and enemies, all mixed and blended.

What do you do when you have writer’s block? 

Work on something in a different genre. Your whole brain is never blocked.

What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

Chapter 27 “Rintrah Roars” It was part of the short story (revamped) that the character originally appeared in (Dan Ketch)

If you were stuck on an island and had to have one person from each category with you, who would they be and why?

1. One character from your book: Mors, because he is resourceful and fairly skilled. Ex military man.
2. One fictional character: Elijah Snow (‘Planetary’ – Warren Ellis) because he’s immortal and has other powers
3. One famous person: Amy Sedaris because she’s one of the funniest people in the world (and I had to reassure my wife that it would be platonic!!! And it would be!!)

Besides writing, what are your other interests?

Art, Reading, (MANY genres) comedy, music, travel

Do you keep a journal?

Sort of!

How did you celebrate the publishing of your book?

With very expensive whiskey!

If your book was made into a movie, who would play the main characters?

Dan Ketch – Robert Pattinson

Mors – Jason Stratham

Jieufeng – Claudia Kim

Kestrel – Stanly Tucci

Rupert – Jack Black

Bleach – James McAvoy

Dagny – Natalie Portman

Five favorite books of all time?

‘Shogun’, ‘A Separate Peace’, ‘The Stand’, ‘Anansi Boys’, ‘Lonesome Dove’

What was your favorite part of working with Dorrance Publishing?

Opening the box of my first published novel!

Thank you, M.W.!

Have a thriller novel you’d like to publish? Contact us!

The post Author Spotlight: M.W. Gats appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

Name: Jennifer J. Prescott 

Hometown: Born in Mount Holly, NJ, Raised in Browns Mills, NJ. Moved to Nahunta, Ga at the age of 16 where I currently reside.

Book Title: The Silver Tongue’s Diary: A Memoir of Poems 

Describe your book in 10 words or less. 

My poems are deep and dark, to light and uplifting.

What made you want to write your poetry book?

I dreamt of being a published author for 20 years. The selected poems in my book I wanted to share so others can see no matter how dark your world is at the time, you’re never alone and to never give up. 

How long did it take you to write your book? 

A handful of my poems were written when I was 16. Few are from 2014. However most of them are from 2017-2018. 

What do you do when you have writer’s block? 

I do my own form of meditation. However, I don’t force my writing. I wait and let it come to me. 

What was your favorite poem to write and why?

An Oath to My Angel is written for my Mom. Timeless Love is written for my children. Both are beloved poems and I can’t choose between one of the others for they’re both very dear to me.

Besides writing, what are your other interests?

Well, I’ve always wanted to be a nurse since I was 6 years old. As a teenager, I had it in my mind to join the military and become an army nurse. Those dreams with time have dissolved. I was a CNA for six years and have currently departed from the profession. 

However, I do enjoy antique shopping and have a small delightful collectible of antique teacups. I also enjoy learning about our dark and morbid history, ghost stories and of course writing about them.

Do you keep a journal?

No, I don’t.

How did you celebrate the publishing of your book?

Unfortunately, with unforeseen circumstances the celebration has been placed on hold.

What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance Publishing?

The learning experience and how well they stayed in communication. I’m very grateful that I was given the opportunity to work with amazing people. Very polite, courteous and extremely professional.

What are some of your favorite books?

As a child… I loved all the R. L. Stine’s Goosebumps. However, my ALL time favorite book back then was Ghost Horse (phantom rider #1) by Janni Lee Simner. I loved that book! It has stuck with me all these years! 

Others: 

Amanda Miranda by Richard Peck – such a fabulous classic!

The Cahill Witch Chronicles by Jessica Spotswood, I could not put these books down, they drew me in and I just couldn’t get enough!

Venom by Fiona Paul a wonderful read!

Once A Widow, To a Stranger by Maranda Ballard, A very heartfelt story. Like a lifetime movie on paper! 

What advice would you give other poets?

Write open and honest.

Write from your soul.

Allow your heart to lead your pen.

Thank you, Jennifer!

Looking to publish your own book of poetry? Contact us!

The post Author Spotlight: Jennifer J Prescott appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

What is your name and where are you from?

Bill Humbert – I grew up in Hyattsville, MD. For the past 12.5 years, we have lived in Park City, UT.

Describe your book in 10 words or less:

Step by Step Guide to Find A New Career

What made you want to write Expect Success! The Science of the Over 50 Career Search?

From March 15, 2020 to December 31, 2020, during the height of Covid-19, I coached 32 Professionals in their searches for a new position. Only 4 of those Professionals were less than 50 years old. At the beginning of our coaching, they all were concerned that no company would hire them because of their age. I coached them all to new positions – eleven of them received increases in compensation and 4 of those received 30% or more increases. One gentleman was 66 years old. I coached him into another CFO position.

What was your favorite part of the book to write and why?

Salary negotiation is painful for most people. I am RecruiterGuy.com with over 40 years of recruiting experience. I know what candidates should say – and what they Should Not say! My book is written in Steps to find a new Career – The Step called “Strong Salary Negotiation” was my favorite step because it is so painful for most people – and I make it easier.

What is one thing you have learned in your career that might surprise people?

Over 40 years of Professional Recruiting experience, I have read over 400,000 resumes. Most people are shocked when they learn that in my first pass I only average 6 seconds reading their resume – and I was timed in 1993 by Andrea, my assistant. Hopefully, my time has improved since then!

Outside of your career (and writing this book), what are your other interests?

I enjoy spending time with Linda, my wife of 48 years and our daughters and their families. I love hiking in the mountains and sharing my favorite spots with families, friends, and Deer Valley Resort guests. When I get moments alone, I enjoy reading books.

What are some of your favorite books?

Professional – “Topgrading: How Leading Companies Win By Hiring, Coaching, and Keeping The Best People by Bradford D. Smart, Ph.D.

“The Four Commitments Of A Winning Team” by Mark Eaton

“What To Do When It’s Your Turn (and it’s always your turn)” by Seth Godin

Personal – I devoured the Robert B. Parker Series in the 1990s. I enjoy the mystery series by David Baldacci, the Tom Clancy series, and books that describe historical events.

How did you celebrate the publishing of your book?

When I received notice that I would receive my Author copy last Monday, I contacted Park City TV to set my 127th television interview as the Reveal for my book last Wednesday – My 127th #TVInterview is the Reveal for “Expect Success! The Science Of The Over 50 Career Search” – YouTube

What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance Publishing?

Working with professionals, like you, in Promotions!

What advice do you have for anyone wanting to write their own book?

This is my 3rd published book. Follow these three steps –

1. Find a Topic that you are passionate about
2. Outline your message and then begin to write
3. Listen to your brain when it gives you a great addition to your book – for me, that is generally 2 or 3 AM. The code between my wife and me is, “The Words just have to get out!”

Then either find a publisher like Dorrance Publishing, or find a great Editor, Cover Designer, and Page Designer.

Finally, promote your book, Promote Your Book, PROMOTE YOUR BOOK!

Thank you, Bill!

You can purchase Expect Success! The Science of the Over 50 Career Search at the Dorrance Publishing bookstore.

Are you a seasoned professional and want to write a book about your experiences? Contact us!

The post Author Spotlight: Bill Humbert appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

Name: Patrice Fentiman

Hometown: Spartanburg, SC

Book Title: Jamie’s Secret

Genre: Children’s/Spiritual

Dorrance Publishing (DP): Describe your book in 10 words or less:

Patrice Fentiman (PF): Jamie’s Secret is about a young girl’s discovery of magic.

DP: What made you want to write the book?:

PF: I wanted to offer support and recognition of children who experience the magic of seeing, hearing and knowing what others may not.  I was one such child.

DP: How long did it take you to write the book:

PF: Though the book was always a part of me, it took two years to complete my text and confirm my vision of the look of the book.

DP: What do you do when you have writer’s block?

PF: There are three things that relieve my writer’s block: 1) walking in nature; 2) meditating; 3) dancing.  Any one or all of these things wipe my cluttered or cloudy brain right away.

DP: What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

PF: My favorite part of the story is when Jamie admits to having so many questions for the fairies and can barely contain her curiosity.

DP: If you were stuck on an island and had to have one person from each category with you, who would they be and why:

-One friend or family member:

PF: I would have my fiancé, Ron, with me.  He is an avid reader, has a huge imagination, is the original renaissance man and is honest in his criticism.

-One fictional character:

The Very Hungry Caterpillar because it was all about transformation and change for the good of all.

-One famous person (living or dead):

Maya Angelou because her life spanned decades of civil, social, political and environmental change and she could speak about ways that we can work together to create a more cooperative world.

DP: Besides writing, what are your other interests?

PF: Besides writing, I love to read, mentor children & young adults, play piano, sing and cook.

DP: Do you keep a journal?

PF: I do keep a journal but don’t write in it daily.

DP: How did you celebrate the publishing of your book?

PF: We had a family barbecue.

DP: If your book was made into a movie, who would play the main characters?

PF: As my book is the first of a series of books, this first book only includes three characters that spoke

Jamie –  Skye Dakota Turner

Jamie’s Mother –  Wunmi Mosaku

Jamie’s Grandmother – Aunjanue Ellis

Shaylee (Fairy) –   Hailey Kilgore

DP: What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance Publishing?

PF: The most important aspect of the Dorrance Publishing relationship for me was in keeping editorial control of all aspects of my book.

DP: Five favorite books of all time?

PF: 1)   The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer

2)   The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

3)   The Very Hungry Caterpillar  by Eric Carle

4)   I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

5)   The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche

DP: One sentence of advice for other writers:

PF: Though it may take a little while, allow yourself to fully see, hear, feel and know the story you are writing and why you are writing it.

Thank you, Patrice!

Ready to write your own children’s book? Contact us!

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